paper

Resistive Magnetic Field Generation at Cosmic Dawn

arXiv:1001.2011 · doi:10.1088/0004-637X/729/1/73

Abstract

Relativistic charged particles (CR for cosmic-rays) produced by Supernova explosion of the first generation of massive stars that are responsible for the re-ionization of the universe escape into the intergalactic medium, carrying an electric current. Charge imbalance and induction give rise to a return current, , carried by the cold thermal plasma which tends to cancel the CR current. The electric field, , required to draw the collisional return current opposes the outflow of low energy cosmic rays and ohmically heats the cold plasma. Owing to inhomogeneities in the resistivity, , caused by structure in the temperature, , of the intergalactic plasma, the electric field possesses a rotational component which sustains Faraday's induction. It is found that magnetic field is robustly generated throughout intergalactic space at rate of 10 Gauss/Gyr, until the temperature of the intergalactic medium is raised by cosmic reionization. The magnetic field may seed the subsequent growth of magnetic fields in the intergalactic environment.

8 pages, 4 figures, substantially expanded for the sake of a more detailed presentation of the model. Title slightly simplified. Results unchanged. Higher resolution version available at http://www.exp-astro.phys.ethz.ch/miniati/miniatiandbell.pdf

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